Approximately 60 percent of the members of the Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) are women, yet a notable gender gap persists in leadership roles within the organization. Iva Powell Volavola, a member of the FTA executive committee, pointed out that although women make up 58 percent of the association, only three women hold executive positions among 39, a drop from seven in 2022.
Volavola has emphasized the urgency of addressing this disparity, urging that women within the association must increase their visibility in leadership. She remarked, “We feel that women issues are union issues too,” highlighting the critical need for female representation in union leadership to effectively advocate for policies impacting women educators.
To bolster women’s engagement, the FTA has intensified its capacity-building initiatives, including entrepreneurship projects such as the mobile markets held every Saturday. These markets serve as valuable platforms for women to exchange ideas, provide mutual support, and discuss vital issues affecting their roles in education.
This year, one of the primary concerns for the association has been the government’s no-repeat policy in education, which many educators consider ineffective. Volavola stated that the challenges posed by this policy contributed to the recent passage of a Bill aimed at reinstating a retention policy in the education system, marking a step forward in addressing educators’ concerns.
The FTA’s focus on increasing women’s representation in educational leadership aligns with findings from the Fiji Country Gender Assessment 2023, which indicates that women hold only 21 percent of board positions across various sectors in Fiji. Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Sashi Kiran, has highlighted the crucial role women play in fostering economic growth in the country.
There is growing awareness within the educational system regarding the necessity to create an inclusive environment that recognizes and values women’s contributions. Recent surveys reflect a significant sentiment among Fijians for greater representation of women in governance and education, underscoring the need for ongoing systemic reforms.
While obstacles remain, the collective actions of the FTA and the government signal a positive trajectory toward a more equitable society in Fiji. By enhancing women’s involvement in decision-making processes, there is a hopeful expectation for an educational landscape that is more inclusive, which would benefit not only female educators but the broader community as they work together for a brighter future.